So You’re Stuck in a Rut … Here’s How to Get Out

I’ve been in more ruts than I can count, but I’ve never given up on my fitness journey. These are my tried and true ways to get unstuck and back on track!

Do a Workout Because You Love it, Not Because You “Need” it

Working out will naturally feel like a chore sometimes, even if you’re doing something you like. But if you’re stuck in a rut, you obviously need to try something new or get back to the basics.

I know that strength training is good for me and lifting weights will help get me the body I want, but I also LOVE cardio and the high I get from a good run or Soul Cycle class. When I find myself dreading my workouts because I’m bored or feel like I’m just going through the motions, I get out there and do the things I’ve been neglecting. I book a Soul Cycle class; I go for a night run; I swap Netflix for a hike. It never fails to remind me how much I actually love working out. Then I get back to the grind.

Set a New Goal or Find Something to Train For

I do a pretty terrible job when I don’t have something to work for, so when I get stuck I try to set a new goal or find something to train for. Even if it’s superficial, like looking good for an event, it usually does the trick. What are you working toward? Is it motivating enough?

I encourage you to drop a couple hundred bucks on a race like a marathon or triathlon; every time I spend a significant amount of money on something (like a juice cleanse…) I COMMIT. Go buy some new clothes or put a down payment on something you know you’re not quite ready for. Whatever works!

Make it Social

I’m not always a fan of working out with others; I like to do my own thing, I don’t want self conscious feelings to take away from my workout, and I like having space and equipment to myself. But, sometimes you just need a partner or a group of strangers to push you harder.

If you’ve been skipping workouts, booking a class or making plans with friends will hold you accountable. And if you’re competitive, working out with others will push you to be the best in the room. Plus, friends make everything better, so make it social and you’ll enjoy it again in no time.